Donald Lee Odneal

Donald Lee Odneal, 80, of Jefferson City, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2020, at his home. He was born November 16, 1939, in Bunceton, Mo., son of Royal Lacy and Rowena Elizabeth (Spahr) Odneal. Don was united in marriage to Mary Jane Case on June 26, 1960, at the Bunceton Baptist Church. Don was a 1957 graduate of Bunceton High School. He attended the University of Missouri Columbia and graduated from the Chicago Drafting and Design School in 1962. He worked at the Missouri Department of Transportation, District 5 in Jefferson City, and retired as a Senior Designer after 36 years of service. After retirement, he worked part­time at the Jefferson City Country Club Golf Course for 10 years. He was proud of being a local high school basketball official for 21 years. He also served on the board of the Jefferson City Basketball Officials Association. He enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, and working in his yard. Don and Jane even once earned the Yard of the Month for Jefferson City. For many years he enjoyed annual pheasant hunting trips to Nebraska. He also liked crappie fishing and many annual trips to Canada to catch walleye. Don truly enjoyed his special group of card players and golf buddies for weekly gatherings. Don enjoyed life and was a friend to everyone that knew him. Don was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan - especially when they won. He loved sports and was Robert's baseball manager for several seasons. He was proudest taking one team to the Babe Ruth World Series in Buffalo, New York. Don took great pride in managing those teams and players. He was a member for over 50 years and past Trustee of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2693 Jefferson City; past member of the Board of Directors District 5 Credit Union; and a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge, Capital Shrine Club and 33rd Degree York Rite Freemason Lodge. He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church for many years serving as usher and various committees. He is survived by his wife, Jane; sons, Mitch (Lori) Odneal and Robert Odneal of Jefferson City, Mo.; sister, Alice (Richard) Langkop of Boonville, Mo.; brother-in-law John Earl Case of Jefferson City, Mo.; nieces, Christine (fiancé, Mike) Futhlage of New Franklin, Mo. and Callie (Mike) Glascock of Ashland, Mo.; and nephew, Justin (Jennifer) Case of Jefferson City, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents; two year old twin sister, Dorothy Marie Odneal; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Dean Case. Private family services will be held on Monday, November 16, 2020. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wesley United Methodist Church, 2727 Wesley St., Jefferson City, MO 65109. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com